GLEN ROCK, NJ – On April 10, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) held a conference call with members of North Jersey’s agriculture community, representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the New Jersey Farm Bureau, and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to provide updates on available SBA loans and CARES Act rescue and relief resources for cattle, specialty crops and dairy.  

“I want to thank everyone from the Fifth District’s agriculture community who joined me this week as we work together to navigate through this outbreak,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “The agriculture industry is a vital part of North Jersey’s economy and I’m working hard to protect our businesses and the vital services, products, and jobs they provide.”

Gottheimer was joined by New Jersey Farm Bureau President Ryck Suydam, New Jersey Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fischer, Knowlton Councilman Frank Van Horn, County Freeholder Rick Gardner, and Assemblyman Parker Space. 

The bipartisan CARES Act includes provisions to provide relief for the agriculture industry, including $15.5 billion in additional investment for increased SNAP enrollment, $450 million for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and $9.5 billion in aid provided to help farmers and producers, distributed by the USDA. Last week, Gottheimer wrote to the Small Business Administration with a bipartisan group of Members of Congress urging the SBA to make sure that farmers are included in these loans as they’re granted.

If any Fifth District resident or business has questions regarding federal or state support, grants and small business loans, or COVID-19 resources, please visit gottheimer.house.gov/coronavirus or email questions to Coronavirusnj5@mail.house.gov.

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